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Thu, 16 March 2017
Ranchi Test: Smith hits century to steer Australia to 299-4 at stumps
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16:44 Smith hits century to steer Australia to 299-4 at stumps
STUMPS - DAY 4
Aus 299-4 (90 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Steve Smith led from the front with a brilliant century, his second of the series, to steer Australia to 299 for four in 90 overs at stumps on Day 1.
It was an important innings from the Australian captain as he rescued his team after they were reduced to 89 for three at one stage.
Smith was unbeaten on a splendid innings of 117, his slowest Test century as he continue his good run against the Indians, registering his sixth hundred against them.
Maxwell, playing his first Test after nearly two and half years, was unbeaten on a career-best innings of 82 not out, the first time had registered a half-century in the longer format.
The duo were instrumental in keeping India's bowlers at bay during the post-tea session as they put on an unbroken stand of 159 from 287 balls for the fifth wicket.
Australia did not lose a wicket in the post-tea session, scoring 105 runs in 30 overs.
India also suffered a major scare as captain Virat Kohli injured his shoulder while diving on the field near the boundary and had to go to the dressing room for treatment and didn't take the field for a session and half.
If India are unable to claim a few early wickets on Day 2, then Australia look likely to run away with a huge first innings score that would put them firmly in control of the game.
STUMPS - DAY 4
Aus 299-4 (90 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Steve Smith led from the front with a brilliant century, his second of the series, to steer Australia to 299 for four in 90 overs at stumps on Day 1.
It was an important innings from the Australian captain as he rescued his team after they were reduced to 89 for three at one stage.
Smith was unbeaten on a splendid innings of 117, his slowest Test century as he continue his good run against the Indians, registering his sixth hundred against them.
Maxwell, playing his first Test after nearly two and half years, was unbeaten on a career-best innings of 82 not out, the first time had registered a half-century in the longer format.
The duo were instrumental in keeping India's bowlers at bay during the post-tea session as they put on an unbroken stand of 159 from 287 balls for the fifth wicket.
Australia did not lose a wicket in the post-tea session, scoring 105 runs in 30 overs.
India also suffered a major scare as captain Virat Kohli injured his shoulder while diving on the field near the boundary and had to go to the dressing room for treatment and didn't take the field for a session and half.
If India are unable to claim a few early wickets on Day 2, then Australia look likely to run away with a huge first innings score that would put them firmly in control of the game.
16:37 Smith hits century to steer Australia to 299-4 at stumps
STUMPS - DAY 4
Aus 299-4 (90 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
India finally take the new ball as Umesh comes in to bowl the 87th over. Smith flicks the first ball on the leg side for a single and Maxwell gets one to mid-on to raise the 150-run stand for the fifth wicket.
Ishant comes on from the other end to have a go with the second new ball. Maxwell gets a thick outside edge which goes fine as KL Rahul is unable to get down and stop the ball on the thirdman fence to give away a four.
He then takes a single before Smith picks two runs on the leg side off the last ball.
Surprisingly, India's pacers have resisted against trying the odd bouncer at the Australian batsmen. They have looked to bowl it full and look for some reverse and have been quite shy to drop it short and test the batsmen with some quick bouncers.
Umesh tries a few short balls to Maxwell late in the day, in the penultimate over as the right-hander is happy to leave them alone. He tries the slower ball as Maxwell steers it to thirdman for a single and keep strike.
Maxwell is beaten as he looks to steer Ishant to thirdman but misses before he takes a single to take the score to 299 and as expected Smith blocks the last two balls to end a good first day for Australia.
STUMPS - DAY 4
Aus 299-4 (90 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
India finally take the new ball as Umesh comes in to bowl the 87th over. Smith flicks the first ball on the leg side for a single and Maxwell gets one to mid-on to raise the 150-run stand for the fifth wicket.
Ishant comes on from the other end to have a go with the second new ball. Maxwell gets a thick outside edge which goes fine as KL Rahul is unable to get down and stop the ball on the thirdman fence to give away a four.
He then takes a single before Smith picks two runs on the leg side off the last ball.
Surprisingly, India's pacers have resisted against trying the odd bouncer at the Australian batsmen. They have looked to bowl it full and look for some reverse and have been quite shy to drop it short and test the batsmen with some quick bouncers.
Umesh tries a few short balls to Maxwell late in the day, in the penultimate over as the right-hander is happy to leave them alone. He tries the slower ball as Maxwell steers it to thirdman for a single and keep strike.
Maxwell is beaten as he looks to steer Ishant to thirdman but misses before he takes a single to take the score to 299 and as expected Smith blocks the last two balls to end a good first day for Australia.
16:19
Aus 288-4 (86 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Ashwin comes back and this time he is up against a confident and a well-settled Maxwell, who struggled against the off-spinner at the start of his innings.
Maxwell attempts the reverse sweep but misses and picks up a leg bye. The next ball is a wide half volley as Smith smashes it through the covers for a four before an edge off the last ball gets him two more runs.
Umesh comes for another short burst before stumps as India finally end the Vijay experiment after three listless overs. He looks to bowl full and look for some late swing but Maxwell is up to it as he manages to defend the over.
In the next over, Smith looks to sweep Ashwin but gets it off the back of the bat for a boundary fine on the leg side. The last ball is wider and beats everyone for four byes as Australia continue to pile on the runs.
Aus 288-4 (86 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Ashwin comes back and this time he is up against a confident and a well-settled Maxwell, who struggled against the off-spinner at the start of his innings.
Maxwell attempts the reverse sweep but misses and picks up a leg bye. The next ball is a wide half volley as Smith smashes it through the covers for a four before an edge off the last ball gets him two more runs.
Umesh comes for another short burst before stumps as India finally end the Vijay experiment after three listless overs. He looks to bowl full and look for some late swing but Maxwell is up to it as he manages to defend the over.
In the next over, Smith looks to sweep Ashwin but gets it off the back of the bat for a boundary fine on the leg side. The last ball is wider and beats everyone for four byes as Australia continue to pile on the runs.
16:06 Smith hits century to put Australia on top
Aus 272-4 (83 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
India's defensive tactics not working at all. And Maxwell is feeling a lot more confident after getting his half-century as he lofts Jadeja back over his head for a six. That was pitched outside the leg stump yet Maxwell had no problems getting under it and lofting it straight down the ground.
He seems to be in some problem after that big hit and needs some attention from the physio.
Wonder what India are achieving by having part-timer Vijay bowl as they look to play for stumps rather than aim for wickets.
Smith drives Vijay down the ground for a four past mid-on to bring up his 19th Test century in some style. He continues his magical run against India as he register his sixth ton against India. And this is his second century in the series, mind you he is the only batsman to get a century in the series.
He suffered a rare failure in Bengaluru where he failed in both the innings and that was the only Test match when he has not got a century against India. But he has made up for that lapse in some style as Australia look good for a total around the 400-run mark.
Aus 272-4 (83 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
India's defensive tactics not working at all. And Maxwell is feeling a lot more confident after getting his half-century as he lofts Jadeja back over his head for a six. That was pitched outside the leg stump yet Maxwell had no problems getting under it and lofting it straight down the ground.
He seems to be in some problem after that big hit and needs some attention from the physio.
Wonder what India are achieving by having part-timer Vijay bowl as they look to play for stumps rather than aim for wickets.
Smith drives Vijay down the ground for a four past mid-on to bring up his 19th Test century in some style. He continues his magical run against India as he register his sixth ton against India. And this is his second century in the series, mind you he is the only batsman to get a century in the series.
He suffered a rare failure in Bengaluru where he failed in both the innings and that was the only Test match when he has not got a century against India. But he has made up for that lapse in some style as Australia look good for a total around the 400-run mark.
15:55 Smith, Maxwell drive Australia forward
Aus 260-4 (81 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Umesh comes back for a new spell as India look for the breakthrough to check Australia's good progress since the tea break. The umpires replaced with the old ball which seems to have gone out of shape and they replace it with a fairly new looking ball.
Smith turns the second ball on the leg side for one as he looks keen to play cautiously and ensure he gets to the century and also stay till stumps to consolidate Australia's good position.
Jadeja looks to bowl it outside the leg stump as Smith continues to defend before he takes one on the leg side.
Umesh looking for the yorker but Smith up to it as he whips the full delivery to deep square leg for one to move to 97.
Umesh tries the short ball as Maxwell plays the pull shot and the fielder in the deep goes the wrong way to give away a four.
Jadeja bowling well outside the leg stump to Smith, looking to frustrate him with the negative stuff but he seems content to defend and plays out a maiden over.
A strange move from India as part-time off-spinner Murali Vijay comes into the attack. He starts with a poor delivery as Maxwell pulls the short ball square on the leg side for a four and then gets two runs off the next ball, fine on the leg side. He glances the fifth ball fine for another couple of runs as Australia look to keep the momentum going against the part-timer.
Saha brings Smith down as the ball gets dislodged between the batsman's legs and the Indian keeper thinks there is an edge and tries to grab it but umpire Ian Gould has a laugh before ruling it a dead ball.
India are 257 for four in 80 overs but they decide against taking the second new ball with part-timer Vijay continuing with the ball as Australia pick three easy singles from his second over.
Aus 260-4 (81 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Umesh comes back for a new spell as India look for the breakthrough to check Australia's good progress since the tea break. The umpires replaced with the old ball which seems to have gone out of shape and they replace it with a fairly new looking ball.
Smith turns the second ball on the leg side for one as he looks keen to play cautiously and ensure he gets to the century and also stay till stumps to consolidate Australia's good position.
Jadeja looks to bowl it outside the leg stump as Smith continues to defend before he takes one on the leg side.
Umesh looking for the yorker but Smith up to it as he whips the full delivery to deep square leg for one to move to 97.
Umesh tries the short ball as Maxwell plays the pull shot and the fielder in the deep goes the wrong way to give away a four.
Jadeja bowling well outside the leg stump to Smith, looking to frustrate him with the negative stuff but he seems content to defend and plays out a maiden over.
A strange move from India as part-time off-spinner Murali Vijay comes into the attack. He starts with a poor delivery as Maxwell pulls the short ball square on the leg side for a four and then gets two runs off the next ball, fine on the leg side. He glances the fifth ball fine for another couple of runs as Australia look to keep the momentum going against the part-timer.
Saha brings Smith down as the ball gets dislodged between the batsman's legs and the Indian keeper thinks there is an edge and tries to grab it but umpire Ian Gould has a laugh before ruling it a dead ball.
India are 257 for four in 80 overs but they decide against taking the second new ball with part-timer Vijay continuing with the ball as Australia pick three easy singles from his second over.
15:24 Maxwell hits half-century to put Australia on top
Aus 242-4 (74 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Maxwell and Smith picking up singles at will against the two spinners with India employing a well spread out field.
Jadeja beats Maxwell with one which turns away as the Indians are excited but wicketkeeper Saha is unable to collect it. Maxwell manages to pick a single to take his score to 39 -- his highest in Test cricket.
Ashwin drags Maxwell forward with a well flighted delivery as the right-hander goes for the cover drive but gets an inside edge for two runs through midwicket. However, he manages to get the drive through the covers a couple of balls later for a well timed boundary as Ashwin overpitches.
The next ball is a bit short as Maxwell cuts it to deep point for a single to take his score to 45.
The two spinners will continue to bowl till the 80th over when the second new ball becomes due. Maybe we could have an over or two by Umesh with the old ball to see if there is some reverse.
No stopping Maxwell as he pulls a short ball from Jadeja over midwicket for a six to bring up his maiden half-century in Tests, from 95 balls.
That hit also raises the 100-run stand for the fifth wicket between Maxwell and Smith as Australia continue to build their total.
Aus 242-4 (74 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Maxwell and Smith picking up singles at will against the two spinners with India employing a well spread out field.
Jadeja beats Maxwell with one which turns away as the Indians are excited but wicketkeeper Saha is unable to collect it. Maxwell manages to pick a single to take his score to 39 -- his highest in Test cricket.
Ashwin drags Maxwell forward with a well flighted delivery as the right-hander goes for the cover drive but gets an inside edge for two runs through midwicket. However, he manages to get the drive through the covers a couple of balls later for a well timed boundary as Ashwin overpitches.
The next ball is a bit short as Maxwell cuts it to deep point for a single to take his score to 45.
The two spinners will continue to bowl till the 80th over when the second new ball becomes due. Maybe we could have an over or two by Umesh with the old ball to see if there is some reverse.
No stopping Maxwell as he pulls a short ball from Jadeja over midwicket for a six to bring up his maiden half-century in Tests, from 95 balls.
That hit also raises the 100-run stand for the fifth wicket between Maxwell and Smith as Australia continue to build their total.
15:06 Smith closes in on century as Aus make good progress
Aus 220-4 (69 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
The Indian pacers are attacking the stumps, hoping Smith would miss one but so far he has been able to keep everything out while also find ways to score.
Maxwell was shaky at the start but now looks a bit settled as he pushes Jadeja on the off-side for a single and Smith picks another run a few balls later.
Ashwin comes on from the other end, taking over from Ishant. Smith collects another easy single on the off-side before Maxwell turns the last ball on the leg side for one.
In the next over, Maxwell rocks back and cuts a short ball from Jadeja through thirdman for three runs as Umesh does well to keep it inside the ropes using the slide.
Smith takes two runs off Ashwin through the off-side to take his score into the 90s and inch closer to yet another century against India.
Aus 220-4 (69 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
The Indian pacers are attacking the stumps, hoping Smith would miss one but so far he has been able to keep everything out while also find ways to score.
Maxwell was shaky at the start but now looks a bit settled as he pushes Jadeja on the off-side for a single and Smith picks another run a few balls later.
Ashwin comes on from the other end, taking over from Ishant. Smith collects another easy single on the off-side before Maxwell turns the last ball on the leg side for one.
In the next over, Maxwell rocks back and cuts a short ball from Jadeja through thirdman for three runs as Umesh does well to keep it inside the ropes using the slide.
Smith takes two runs off Ashwin through the off-side to take his score into the 90s and inch closer to yet another century against India.
14:57 Smith, Maxwell drive Australia forward
Aus 208-4 (64 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
India have walked out to the middle without their captain Kohli, who still seems to be suffering from the shoulder injury he sustained while fielding during the post-lunch session.
Ishant to resume proceedings after the tea break. Smith cuts the fourth ball past the point region for a four to start off confidently after the tea break.
Maxwell continues to defend before he takes a single, he is yet to hit a boundary in 52 balls while scoring just 19 runs.
Smith comes down the track and looks to swing Jadeja down the ground but mishits which falls safely on the leg side.
Maxwell finally gets his first boundary, from the 57th ball he faces, as he lofts Jadeja back over his head for a six.
Australia are 208 for four in 64 overs with Smith on 85 and Maxwell on 28.
Aus 208-4 (64 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
India have walked out to the middle without their captain Kohli, who still seems to be suffering from the shoulder injury he sustained while fielding during the post-lunch session.
Ishant to resume proceedings after the tea break. Smith cuts the fourth ball past the point region for a four to start off confidently after the tea break.
Maxwell continues to defend before he takes a single, he is yet to hit a boundary in 52 balls while scoring just 19 runs.
Smith comes down the track and looks to swing Jadeja down the ground but mishits which falls safely on the leg side.
Maxwell finally gets his first boundary, from the 57th ball he faces, as he lofts Jadeja back over his head for a six.
Australia are 208 for four in 64 overs with Smith on 85 and Maxwell on 28.
14:15 Smith, Maxwell steer Australia to 194-4 at tea
TEA - DAY 1
Aus 194-4 (60 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
A good comeback by Australia in the post-lunch session as they reach 194 for four in 60 overs at the tea break. They scored 85 runs in 30 overs in the second session while losing just one wicket.
Captain Smith led from the front with the bat, as he was unbeaten on a fine innings of 80, putting on an unbroken stand of 54 with Maxwell, who was 19 not out.
Umesh was the standout performer with the ball for India as he claimed two for 54, while Ashwin and Jadeja picked up a wicket each.
India will hope to claim a few wickets in the post-lunch session and keep Australia's total under check.
TEA - DAY 1
Aus 194-4 (60 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
A good comeback by Australia in the post-lunch session as they reach 194 for four in 60 overs at the tea break. They scored 85 runs in 30 overs in the second session while losing just one wicket.
Captain Smith led from the front with the bat, as he was unbeaten on a fine innings of 80, putting on an unbroken stand of 54 with Maxwell, who was 19 not out.
Umesh was the standout performer with the ball for India as he claimed two for 54, while Ashwin and Jadeja picked up a wicket each.
India will hope to claim a few wickets in the post-lunch session and keep Australia's total under check.
14:11
Aus 194-4 (60 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Quick few changes in the bowling for India as Jadeja swaps ends while Ishant comes in from the other end, with around 10 minutes left for the tea break.
Ishant overpitches as Smith plays another beautiful drive through the covers for a four to take his score to 80, to close in on his second century in three matches in the series.
Jadeja bowls from over the wicket on the rough outside the leg stump, forcing Maxwell into a mistake. He is content to use his pad to keep out or leave alone the deliveries bowled well outside the leg stump before he uses his bat to block the last two balls.
Aus 194-4 (60 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Quick few changes in the bowling for India as Jadeja swaps ends while Ishant comes in from the other end, with around 10 minutes left for the tea break.
Ishant overpitches as Smith plays another beautiful drive through the covers for a four to take his score to 80, to close in on his second century in three matches in the series.
Jadeja bowls from over the wicket on the rough outside the leg stump, forcing Maxwell into a mistake. He is content to use his pad to keep out or leave alone the deliveries bowled well outside the leg stump before he uses his bat to block the last two balls.
14:06 Smith, Maxwell build Australia's innings
Aus 190-4 (58 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Umesh gets a well deserved break as he makes way for Jadeja to make it spinners from both ends.
Maxwell again gets the inside edge for a single on the leg side and Smith picks one off the fourth ball.
Jadeja drops a touch short as Maxwell rocks back and slaps it through the covers for a single followed by three singles off Ashwin's next over.
Jadeja has a huge appeal for leg before turned down against Maxwell, who played back, but the ball was slipping down the leg side. Smith turns the next ball on the leg side for a couple to keep the runs coming.
The spin twins rushing through their overs as India look to build up some pressure with a few tight overs.
Maxwell survives another close call as he goes for a tight single but manages to beat the direct hit and gets an overthrow in the process.
The last ball is short and wide as Smith despatches Ashwin through the off-side for a four.
Ishant comes back and has a huge shout for LBW against Maxwell turned down as the Indians take the DRS. And it turns out to be a waste of a review as Ishant has overstepped and the umpire doesn't even need to check the replay any further.
Meanwhile, Kohli has his jersey back on which means he should be on the field anytime soon, maybe before the tea interval.
Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that India won't lose the DRS review since it was a no-ball which was not called by the on-field umpire.
Smith completes the 5000-run mark in Tests, becoming the third fastest Australian and the seventh fastest overall to reach the landmark.
Aus 190-4 (58 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Umesh gets a well deserved break as he makes way for Jadeja to make it spinners from both ends.
Maxwell again gets the inside edge for a single on the leg side and Smith picks one off the fourth ball.
Jadeja drops a touch short as Maxwell rocks back and slaps it through the covers for a single followed by three singles off Ashwin's next over.
Jadeja has a huge appeal for leg before turned down against Maxwell, who played back, but the ball was slipping down the leg side. Smith turns the next ball on the leg side for a couple to keep the runs coming.
The spin twins rushing through their overs as India look to build up some pressure with a few tight overs.
Maxwell survives another close call as he goes for a tight single but manages to beat the direct hit and gets an overthrow in the process.
The last ball is short and wide as Smith despatches Ashwin through the off-side for a four.
Ishant comes back and has a huge shout for LBW against Maxwell turned down as the Indians take the DRS. And it turns out to be a waste of a review as Ishant has overstepped and the umpire doesn't even need to check the replay any further.
Meanwhile, Kohli has his jersey back on which means he should be on the field anytime soon, maybe before the tea interval.
Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that India won't lose the DRS review since it was a no-ball which was not called by the on-field umpire.
Smith completes the 5000-run mark in Tests, becoming the third fastest Australian and the seventh fastest overall to reach the landmark.
13:34 India keep Australia in check with regular wickets
Aus 160-4 (50 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Ashwin comes back into the attac, replacing Jadeja, to bowl as new man Glenn Maxwell gets off the mark with a single and Smith picks one off the last ball.
Four singles before Smith glances Umesh fine on the leg side for a four to get eight runs from the over and take Australia past the 150-run mark, in the 45th over.
Smith and Maxwell looking to rotate the strike with ones and twos as they look to build a stand and guide their team out of trouble.
Maxwell survives a confident shout for LBW against Umesh as he is beaten by the incoming delivery but it is slipping down the leg side.
Another shout for leg before wicket against Maxwell off Ashwin but he survives yet again and India have not taken the DRS yet again.
Umesh bowls another quick yorker which reverses in as Smith does well to keep it out and seems to suggesting to the bowler with a nod of the head that it was a good delivery. This is a good contest between Smith and Umesh, with both keen to get on top of each other.
Maxwell looking a bit shaky against Ashwin as he looks to drive but gets an inside edge which goes fine on the leg side for one.
It remains to be seen how long Kohli is off the field with his injury and importantly how serious is the injury. He is currently recovering in the dressing room with the ice pack on his shoulder as the whole of India waits with bated breath for some positive news.
Australia are 160 for four in 50 overs with Smith on 61 and Maxwell on six.
Aus 160-4 (50 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Ashwin comes back into the attac, replacing Jadeja, to bowl as new man Glenn Maxwell gets off the mark with a single and Smith picks one off the last ball.
Four singles before Smith glances Umesh fine on the leg side for a four to get eight runs from the over and take Australia past the 150-run mark, in the 45th over.
Smith and Maxwell looking to rotate the strike with ones and twos as they look to build a stand and guide their team out of trouble.
Maxwell survives a confident shout for LBW against Umesh as he is beaten by the incoming delivery but it is slipping down the leg side.
Another shout for leg before wicket against Maxwell off Ashwin but he survives yet again and India have not taken the DRS yet again.
Umesh bowls another quick yorker which reverses in as Smith does well to keep it out and seems to suggesting to the bowler with a nod of the head that it was a good delivery. This is a good contest between Smith and Umesh, with both keen to get on top of each other.
Maxwell looking a bit shaky against Ashwin as he looks to drive but gets an inside edge which goes fine on the leg side for one.
It remains to be seen how long Kohli is off the field with his injury and importantly how serious is the injury. He is currently recovering in the dressing room with the ice pack on his shoulder as the whole of India waits with bated breath for some positive news.
Australia are 160 for four in 50 overs with Smith on 61 and Maxwell on six.
13:06 Handscomb out for 19, Australia lose 4th wicket
Aus 140-4 (43 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Ishant bowls a good tight over to Handscomb and is unlucky that he doesn't end up with a maiden as Vijay misfields at point to give away two runs.
Smith does well to steer Ishant fine on the off-side past the slips for a four.
Meanwhile, India captain seems to have hurt his shoulder as he dives near the boundary to stop the drive from Handscomb through midwicket. He seems to be in some pain and has to go off the field with Rahane in charge of things.
And Rahane makes the bowling change as Ishant is taken off after bowling five overs in his second spell.
He makes way for fellow pacer Umesh as Handscomb cuts the second ball through point for a four before he takes a single.
Umesh strikes in his next over with the wicket of Handscomb. It is the quick yorker combined with reverse swing that does the trick as Handscomb is struck on the toes right in front of the stumps to be dismissed leg before wicket for 19 and he doesn't even ask for the review.
A big strike for India as they continue to chip away at the wickets to reduce Australia to 140 for four in 43 overs.
In the same over, Smith brought up his half-century from 104 balls to continue his good run against India in Test cricket.
Aus 140-4 (43 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Ishant bowls a good tight over to Handscomb and is unlucky that he doesn't end up with a maiden as Vijay misfields at point to give away two runs.
Smith does well to steer Ishant fine on the off-side past the slips for a four.
Meanwhile, India captain seems to have hurt his shoulder as he dives near the boundary to stop the drive from Handscomb through midwicket. He seems to be in some pain and has to go off the field with Rahane in charge of things.
And Rahane makes the bowling change as Ishant is taken off after bowling five overs in his second spell.
He makes way for fellow pacer Umesh as Handscomb cuts the second ball through point for a four before he takes a single.
Umesh strikes in his next over with the wicket of Handscomb. It is the quick yorker combined with reverse swing that does the trick as Handscomb is struck on the toes right in front of the stumps to be dismissed leg before wicket for 19 and he doesn't even ask for the review.
A big strike for India as they continue to chip away at the wickets to reduce Australia to 140 for four in 43 overs.
In the same over, Smith brought up his half-century from 104 balls to continue his good run against India in Test cricket.
12:27 Smith, Handscomb steady Australia
Aus 116-3 (34 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Ishant, who bowled just three overs in the morning session, will resume proceedings after the lunch break.
Captain Smith takes his time to get his eye in as he plays out a maiden over from the tall pace bowler.
Jadeja from the other end as Handscomb turns the second ball on the leg side for a single. Smith steals a quick single to mid-on off the last ball and captain Kohli is not impressed with Murali Vijay's slugglish effort which enabled the batsmen to take the run.
Ishant bowls it down the leg side as Handscomb misses the flick but the ball strikes the pads and goes fine for a couple of leg byes. The right-hander is beaten off the fifth ball as Ishant gets one to move away slightly with the batsman playing from his crease.
Smith flicks Jadeja uppishly on the leg side for a single to fine leg and Handscomb comes down and whips it to the same region for another run.
Aus 116-3 (34 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Ishant, who bowled just three overs in the morning session, will resume proceedings after the lunch break.
Captain Smith takes his time to get his eye in as he plays out a maiden over from the tall pace bowler.
Jadeja from the other end as Handscomb turns the second ball on the leg side for a single. Smith steals a quick single to mid-on off the last ball and captain Kohli is not impressed with Murali Vijay's slugglish effort which enabled the batsmen to take the run.
Ishant bowls it down the leg side as Handscomb misses the flick but the ball strikes the pads and goes fine for a couple of leg byes. The right-hander is beaten off the fifth ball as Ishant gets one to move away slightly with the batsman playing from his crease.
Smith flicks Jadeja uppishly on the leg side for a single to fine leg and Handscomb comes down and whips it to the same region for another run.
11:44 Australia 109-3 at lunch on Day 1 after opting to bat
LUNCH - DAY 1
Aus 109-3 (30 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
A superb performance by the Indian bowlers as they kept chipping away at the wickets to reduce Australia to 109 for three in 30 overs after the visitors had elected to bat first on a good batting wicket.
Captain Smith was unbeaten on 34, while Handscomb was six not out at the lunch interval.
Warner suffered another failure with the bat and was dismissed in unfortunate circumstances as he hit a full toss straight back to Jadeja to be dismissed for 19.
Renshaw looked in control as he scored a brisk 44, with the help of seven fours, before he was caught at first slip off Umesh, while Marsh was caught at short leg off Ashwin for two.
If India manage to claim a few more wickets after the lunch break, they could well end up restricting Australia within the 250-run mark.
LUNCH - DAY 1
Aus 109-3 (30 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
A superb performance by the Indian bowlers as they kept chipping away at the wickets to reduce Australia to 109 for three in 30 overs after the visitors had elected to bat first on a good batting wicket.
Captain Smith was unbeaten on 34, while Handscomb was six not out at the lunch interval.
Warner suffered another failure with the bat and was dismissed in unfortunate circumstances as he hit a full toss straight back to Jadeja to be dismissed for 19.
Renshaw looked in control as he scored a brisk 44, with the help of seven fours, before he was caught at first slip off Umesh, while Marsh was caught at short leg off Ashwin for two.
If India manage to claim a few more wickets after the lunch break, they could well end up restricting Australia within the 250-run mark.
11:32 Australia 109-3 at lunch on Day 1 after opting to bat
LUNCH - DAY 1
Aus 109-3 (30 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Umesh bowls a full delivery which swings in sharply and beats Handscomb who is struck on the pads but the LBW appeal is turned down with the ball looking to slip down the leg side.
Jadeja comes into the attack as Ashwin gets a break with two right-handers out in the middle. Smith defends the first five balls before taking a single off the last ball to keep strike.
Umesh bowls another quick yorker which comes in sharply as Smith gets an inside edge which goes between his legs for a four. The next ball is again full and swinging as Smith flicks it square for another boundary before he gets a leg bye from the next ball.
In the next over, Smith turns Jadeja fine on the leg side for a couple before he picks one as Australia go into lunch at 109 for three in 30 overs.
LUNCH - DAY 1
Aus 109-3 (30 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Umesh bowls a full delivery which swings in sharply and beats Handscomb who is struck on the pads but the LBW appeal is turned down with the ball looking to slip down the leg side.
Jadeja comes into the attack as Ashwin gets a break with two right-handers out in the middle. Smith defends the first five balls before taking a single off the last ball to keep strike.
Umesh bowls another quick yorker which comes in sharply as Smith gets an inside edge which goes between his legs for a four. The next ball is again full and swinging as Smith flicks it square for another boundary before he gets a leg bye from the next ball.
In the next over, Smith turns Jadeja fine on the leg side for a couple before he picks one as Australia go into lunch at 109 for three in 30 overs.
11:18 Ashwin scalps Marsh, Australia in trouble
Aus 96-3 (26 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Smith has got off to a start as he drives Ashwin down the ground for two runs to take his score to 21.
In the next over, left-hander Shaun Marsh also gets the edge but it falls short of the fielder at first slip before he takes a single.
Ashwin has a confident shout for catch close in on the leg side by short leg turned down as the Indians immediately take the DRS. The left-hander got an inside edge before it went off his pads as Pujara at short leg took a splendid one-handed catch, diving full length to his left.
Australia in trouble on 89 for three on a wicket which has been good for batting so far.
New batsman Peter Handscomb off the mark in some style as he stylishly drives the first ball he faces, from Ashwin, through the covers for a four followed by three more singles.
Aus 96-3 (26 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Smith has got off to a start as he drives Ashwin down the ground for two runs to take his score to 21.
In the next over, left-hander Shaun Marsh also gets the edge but it falls short of the fielder at first slip before he takes a single.
Ashwin has a confident shout for catch close in on the leg side by short leg turned down as the Indians immediately take the DRS. The left-hander got an inside edge before it went off his pads as Pujara at short leg took a splendid one-handed catch, diving full length to his left.
Australia in trouble on 89 for three on a wicket which has been good for batting so far.
New batsman Peter Handscomb off the mark in some style as he stylishly drives the first ball he faces, from Ashwin, through the covers for a four followed by three more singles.
11:03 Umesh dismisses Renshaw, Australia lose 2nd wicket
Aus 84-2 (23 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Jadeja beats Renshaw as he comes down the track with the ball going off the pads as wicketkeeper Saha is put off and Rahane takes the catch at first slip but umpire Ian Gould is not interested. Two balls later, he paddles it fine for a single before Smith defends the remaining three deliveries.
India make a bowling change as Umesh comes into the attack for his second place, in place of Ashwin, who bowled seven overs for 19 runs in his first spell.
He is getting a bit of reverse as Renshaw signals to his batting partner Smith.
The pitch has played quite well, easily the best first session of the series as far as batsmen are concerned.
Change of ends for Ashwin as he takes over from Jadeja, who took one for 18 in six overs in his first spell.
The move to bring back Umesh works as he strikes with the key wicket of the in-form Renshaw. The left-hander, who made 44 from 69 balls, gets an edge and is caught at first slip by Kohli as Australia lose their second wicket.
Umesh was getting the ball to reverse away from the left-hander as Renashaw edged the ball before but it fall short of the second slip. However he fails to learn from his mistake and pokes at a wide delivery again only to get the edge which carries comfortably to first slip at a good height.
Smith shuffles across as the ball stays a bit low but he manages to turn it on the leg side for one.
Aus 84-2 (23 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Jadeja beats Renshaw as he comes down the track with the ball going off the pads as wicketkeeper Saha is put off and Rahane takes the catch at first slip but umpire Ian Gould is not interested. Two balls later, he paddles it fine for a single before Smith defends the remaining three deliveries.
India make a bowling change as Umesh comes into the attack for his second place, in place of Ashwin, who bowled seven overs for 19 runs in his first spell.
He is getting a bit of reverse as Renshaw signals to his batting partner Smith.
The pitch has played quite well, easily the best first session of the series as far as batsmen are concerned.
Change of ends for Ashwin as he takes over from Jadeja, who took one for 18 in six overs in his first spell.
The move to bring back Umesh works as he strikes with the key wicket of the in-form Renshaw. The left-hander, who made 44 from 69 balls, gets an edge and is caught at first slip by Kohli as Australia lose their second wicket.
Umesh was getting the ball to reverse away from the left-hander as Renashaw edged the ball before but it fall short of the second slip. However he fails to learn from his mistake and pokes at a wide delivery again only to get the edge which carries comfortably to first slip at a good height.
Smith shuffles across as the ball stays a bit low but he manages to turn it on the leg side for one.
10:46 Warner falls for 19 but Australia off to a good start
Aus 69-1 (17 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Following that wicket, India would look to take control of the proceedings and pull back the scoring rate of the Australia.
Ashwin bowls a maiden over to Renshaw as the tall left-hander defends watchfully. In the next over, Jadeja bowls another loose delivery, full and down the leg side as Smith flicks it fine for a four to get off the mark.
Renshaw continues his good start as he leans forward and drives a full delivery from Ashwin through the covers for a four. He has shown good intent and has been positive right from the start, making most of the loose deliveries and not letting the Indian bowlers settle down.
Jadeja getting settled into his role as he sends down a quick over with Smith picking up a single from the fifth ball.
In the next over, Smith shuffles across and flicks Ashwin on the leg side for a single. If he had miss that or if the ball had kept low, Smith would have been dead in front of the stumps.
After the first hour, Australia have done well to reach 64 for one in 15 overs.
Smith looking to be positive as he whips Jadeja through midwicket for a four and Renshaw picks a single off Ashwin in the next over.
Aus 69-1 (17 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Following that wicket, India would look to take control of the proceedings and pull back the scoring rate of the Australia.
Ashwin bowls a maiden over to Renshaw as the tall left-hander defends watchfully. In the next over, Jadeja bowls another loose delivery, full and down the leg side as Smith flicks it fine for a four to get off the mark.
Renshaw continues his good start as he leans forward and drives a full delivery from Ashwin through the covers for a four. He has shown good intent and has been positive right from the start, making most of the loose deliveries and not letting the Indian bowlers settle down.
Jadeja getting settled into his role as he sends down a quick over with Smith picking up a single from the fifth ball.
In the next over, Smith shuffles across and flicks Ashwin on the leg side for a single. If he had miss that or if the ball had kept low, Smith would have been dead in front of the stumps.
After the first hour, Australia have done well to reach 64 for one in 15 overs.
Smith looking to be positive as he whips Jadeja through midwicket for a four and Renshaw picks a single off Ashwin in the next over.
10:17 Warner dismissed for 19, Australia lose 1st wicket
Aus 50-1 (10 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Ashwin bowls it slightly slow, giving it a bit of air, as Renshaw gets the leading edge as he looks to turn it on the leg side but the ball falls safely on the off-side. He defends the next four deliveries before keeping strike with a single from the last ball.
Spin from both ends as Ravindra Jadeja comes into the attack, replacing Umesh. Renshaw drives the second ball to the right of mid-off for a single before Warner throws his bat at wide delivery for a four through point to bring up Australia's 50, in the 10th over.
The next ball is a full toss but Warner ends up chipping it straight back to Jadeja, who can't believe his luck as he takes the return catch.
Warner walks back in disbelief as Australia lose a wicket against the run of play to be reduced to 50 for one.
Aus 50-1 (10 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Ashwin bowls it slightly slow, giving it a bit of air, as Renshaw gets the leading edge as he looks to turn it on the leg side but the ball falls safely on the off-side. He defends the next four deliveries before keeping strike with a single from the last ball.
Spin from both ends as Ravindra Jadeja comes into the attack, replacing Umesh. Renshaw drives the second ball to the right of mid-off for a single before Warner throws his bat at wide delivery for a four through point to bring up Australia's 50, in the 10th over.
The next ball is a full toss but Warner ends up chipping it straight back to Jadeja, who can't believe his luck as he takes the return catch.
Warner walks back in disbelief as Australia lose a wicket against the run of play to be reduced to 50 for one.
10:11 Australia off to a quick start after electing to bat
Aus 44-0 (8 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Warner turns Umesh square on the leg side and does well to collect three runs before Renshaw flays a full delivery through the covers for his fifth boundary.
Spin introduced as Ravichandran Ashwin comes in to bowl the seventh over. He is bowling from round the wicket as Warner defends carefully before taking a single off the fifth ball.
The last ball is full and too straight as Renshaw flicks through his favoured midwicket region for a four, he has scored all his 24 runs through boundaries.
India's pacers have missed their length quite a bit with the new ball. Umesh bowls it full and wide as Warner crashes it in some style through the covers for a four to bring up his 1000 runs against India in his 15th Test match.
The conditions are perfect for batting with the ball doing very little and coming on to the bat nicely and the outfield is lightning quick to give full value for the shots.
Australia are off to a flier as they race to 44 for no loss in eight overs, scoring at five and half runs per over.
Renshaw has smashed 27 from 24 balls, with the help of six boundaries, while Warner has made 15 from the same number of deliveries.
Aus 44-0 (8 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Warner turns Umesh square on the leg side and does well to collect three runs before Renshaw flays a full delivery through the covers for his fifth boundary.
Spin introduced as Ravichandran Ashwin comes in to bowl the seventh over. He is bowling from round the wicket as Warner defends carefully before taking a single off the fifth ball.
The last ball is full and too straight as Renshaw flicks through his favoured midwicket region for a four, he has scored all his 24 runs through boundaries.
India's pacers have missed their length quite a bit with the new ball. Umesh bowls it full and wide as Warner crashes it in some style through the covers for a four to bring up his 1000 runs against India in his 15th Test match.
The conditions are perfect for batting with the ball doing very little and coming on to the bat nicely and the outfield is lightning quick to give full value for the shots.
Australia are off to a flier as they race to 44 for no loss in eight overs, scoring at five and half runs per over.
Renshaw has smashed 27 from 24 balls, with the help of six boundaries, while Warner has made 15 from the same number of deliveries.
09:58 Australia off to a good start after electing to bat
Aus 22-0 (5 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Ishant has a huge appeal for leg before wicket turned down against Renshaw is beaten by a full delivery. The Indians decide against taking the DRS and rightly so with the ball having pitched outside the leg stump. Infact it was Ishant himself, who signalled that the ball could have pitched outside the leg stump. That was very well handled by the Indians, who didn't get that excited and had a good discussion before opting against the DRS.
Two balls later, Renshaw gets another boundary through midwicket as Ishant again overpitches on the leg stump.
In the next over, Renshaw misses out on a full stump from Umesh as he drives straight but Ashwin does well at mid-off to stop it from going for a four. However, the tall left-hander steers the next ball behind point for his third four.
Warner is taking his time to get his eye in as he turns Ishant through midwicket for a couple before taking one to mid-off. At the other end, Renshaw has got off to a flier, as he flicks Ishant square on the leg side for his fourth boundary to take his score to 16.
Aus 22-0 (5 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Ishant has a huge appeal for leg before wicket turned down against Renshaw is beaten by a full delivery. The Indians decide against taking the DRS and rightly so with the ball having pitched outside the leg stump. Infact it was Ishant himself, who signalled that the ball could have pitched outside the leg stump. That was very well handled by the Indians, who didn't get that excited and had a good discussion before opting against the DRS.
Two balls later, Renshaw gets another boundary through midwicket as Ishant again overpitches on the leg stump.
In the next over, Renshaw misses out on a full stump from Umesh as he drives straight but Ashwin does well at mid-off to stop it from going for a four. However, the tall left-hander steers the next ball behind point for his third four.
Warner is taking his time to get his eye in as he turns Ishant through midwicket for a couple before taking one to mid-off. At the other end, Renshaw has got off to a flier, as he flicks Ishant square on the leg side for his fourth boundary to take his score to 16.
09:41
Aus 6-0 (2 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Ishant Sharma to open the bowling for India. He slants the first two balls across Matt Renshaw, who lets it go before defending the third which is closer to the stumps.
Not much carry for Ishant, who is bowling in the 140s, on the slow Ranchi pitch.
Renshaw flicks the last ball of the over through midwicket to get Australia off the mark with a boundary as the new ball races through the super quick outfield.
Umesh Yadav from the other end. He gets some extra bounce as David Warner is beaten as he has a slight poke but manages to keep his gloves away.
Two balls later, Warner is square up but he manages to defend the short ball on the off-side before he sees off the rest of the over.
Aus 6-0 (2 ovs) vs India | Scorecard
Ishant Sharma to open the bowling for India. He slants the first two balls across Matt Renshaw, who lets it go before defending the third which is closer to the stumps.
Not much carry for Ishant, who is bowling in the 140s, on the slow Ranchi pitch.
Renshaw flicks the last ball of the over through midwicket to get Australia off the mark with a boundary as the new ball races through the super quick outfield.
Umesh Yadav from the other end. He gets some extra bounce as David Warner is beaten as he has a slight poke but manages to keep his gloves away.
Two balls later, Warner is square up but he manages to defend the short ball on the off-side before he sees off the rest of the over.
09:05 Ranchi Test: Australia elect to bat vs India, Vijay replaces Mukund
Australia captain Steve Smith has won the toss and elected to bat against India in the third Test in Ranchi.
Australia have made two changes to their team as Pat Cummins and Glenn Maxwell are included in place of Mitchell Starc and Mitchell Marsh respectively.
For India, a fit-again Murali Vijay comes back into the team in place of Abhinav Mukund.
It will be a special occasion for Vijay, who completes the landmark of 50 Test matches. He is only the fifth specialist opener after Sunil Gavaskar (125), Virender Sehwag (103), Gautam Gambhir (58) and Navjot Singh Sidhu (51) to represent India in 50 Tests or more.
"It is a great feeling, to be honest. I never thought I would play so many Test matches for India," Vijay told bcci.tv on Wednesday.
"It has been a great journey and I would like to thank the TNCA and Chemplast -- my club team for the immense support throughout my journey so far. It has been great and have enjoyed every bit of it. It was a great moment when I got into the team. I never thought once that I didnt belong here," he recollected his journey with a lot of fondness.
Australia have made two changes to their team as Pat Cummins and Glenn Maxwell are included in place of Mitchell Starc and Mitchell Marsh respectively.
For India, a fit-again Murali Vijay comes back into the team in place of Abhinav Mukund.
It will be a special occasion for Vijay, who completes the landmark of 50 Test matches. He is only the fifth specialist opener after Sunil Gavaskar (125), Virender Sehwag (103), Gautam Gambhir (58) and Navjot Singh Sidhu (51) to represent India in 50 Tests or more.
"It is a great feeling, to be honest. I never thought I would play so many Test matches for India," Vijay told bcci.tv on Wednesday.
"It has been a great journey and I would like to thank the TNCA and Chemplast -- my club team for the immense support throughout my journey so far. It has been great and have enjoyed every bit of it. It was a great moment when I got into the team. I never thought once that I didnt belong here," he recollected his journey with a lot of fondness.
08:53 Focus back on cricket as Ranchi makes Test debut
Welcome to the coverage of the third Test between India and Australia in Ranchi, on Thursday.
The spotlight will again be firmly trained on cricket after a week of off-field controversies involving the DRS row in the second Test.
The pitch will also be the centre of attention as an ambitious India brace up for what is expected to be a high-voltage battle of attrition against Australia.
The four-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy is locked at 1-1 and the match at Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA), which is organising it's first-ever Test, is set to be a make-or-break affair for both teams.
Trailing 0-1 following a shocking 331-run defeat in the opener, India will enter the match with new-found confidence having scripted a brilliant fight-back in Bengaluru.
On the surface, the 22-yard strip looks tailor-made for spinners, even as the local officials maintain it will last the distance.
With three half centuries, KL Rahul has been the leading run-getter in the series, while Kohli, who is having a rare lean patch against the Aussies, will look to break the drought.
Kohli has just 40 runs from four innings, a dry spell coming after a year full of runs, in which the Indian captain slammed 1457 runs from nine Tests and led the side to a 19-match unbeaten run before the Pune debacle.
A win away from retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the Aussies have received a body blow with the exclusion of pacer Mitchell Starc from the rest of the series after suffering a stress fracture.
The left-arm pacer has been replaced by Pat Cummins who has not played a game since his eye-catching debut in South Africa in 2011 when he had a seven-wicket match haul.
The spotlight will again be firmly trained on cricket after a week of off-field controversies involving the DRS row in the second Test.
The pitch will also be the centre of attention as an ambitious India brace up for what is expected to be a high-voltage battle of attrition against Australia.
The four-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy is locked at 1-1 and the match at Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA), which is organising it's first-ever Test, is set to be a make-or-break affair for both teams.
Trailing 0-1 following a shocking 331-run defeat in the opener, India will enter the match with new-found confidence having scripted a brilliant fight-back in Bengaluru.
On the surface, the 22-yard strip looks tailor-made for spinners, even as the local officials maintain it will last the distance.
With three half centuries, KL Rahul has been the leading run-getter in the series, while Kohli, who is having a rare lean patch against the Aussies, will look to break the drought.
Kohli has just 40 runs from four innings, a dry spell coming after a year full of runs, in which the Indian captain slammed 1457 runs from nine Tests and led the side to a 19-match unbeaten run before the Pune debacle.
A win away from retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the Aussies have received a body blow with the exclusion of pacer Mitchell Starc from the rest of the series after suffering a stress fracture.
The left-arm pacer has been replaced by Pat Cummins who has not played a game since his eye-catching debut in South Africa in 2011 when he had a seven-wicket match haul.
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